The first Kellogg Community College HVACR graduates who were training thanks to funding from SEMCO Energy Gas Company’s Workforce Empowerment Scholarship were recognized during a special ceremony on campus in May.
The following graduates earned KCC’s 25-credit Industrial HVACR Certificate and were awarded full tool kits from SEMCO to get them started on their new careers:
- Robert Belt, of Battle Creek
- Cameron Gougherty, of Battle Creek
- Austin Lortz, of Marshall
Also recognized was HVACR student Romie Mullen, of Battle Creek, who has completed 17 credits toward the 25-credit certificate and received a half tool kit from SEMCO.
The students are among the first to graduate thanks to funding from SEMCO’s Workforce Empowerment Scholarship, established last year with $300,000 in funding specifically dedicated to supporting KCC HVACR students.
The goal of the scholarship, which is facilitated by SEMCO’s Energy Waste Reduction (EWR) program and the KCC Foundation, is to support the development of a diverse workforce proficient in advanced HVACR systems and dedicated to the sustainable use of natural gas.
“We’re proud to support these students as they begin their careers in the skilled trades,” said Patrick Leahy, manager of EWR at SEMCO. “This scholarship, and the tool kits provided, are part of SEMCO’s broader commitment to building a strong, local workforce to help our customers use natural gas safely, efficiently and affordably. It’s an investment that benefits not only the students, but the communities we serve.”
KCC Foundation Executive Director Michelle Williamson said the recent graduates are proof positive that the scholarship is having a tangible impact on the lives of local students and their families.
“These students represent the future of a more energy-efficient and sustainable workforce,” Williamson said. “Thanks to SEMCO’s investment in their education and careers, they’re walking out of KCC with the skills, confidence and the actual tools they need to make a difference in their communities from day one.”
About the SEMCO Energy Gas Company’s Workforce Empowerment Scholarship
The SEMCO Energy Gas Company’s Workforce Empowerment Scholarship is awarded to full- or part-time students studying Industrial Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVACR) at Kellogg Community College. Award amounts depend on the number of applicants awarded but generally total up to $3,000 per year.
Scholarship requirements include:
- A minimum GPA of 2.5 or a passing grade on any pass/fail courses
- Residence in a county where SEMCO conducts business, namely Allegan, Baraga, Barry, Berrien, Calhoun, Cass, Eaton, Gogebic, Hillsdale, Houghton, Jackson, Lapeer, Luce, Mackinac, Macomb, Marquette, Oakland, Ontonagon, Ottawa, Sanilac, Schoolcraft, St. Clair, St. Joseph, Tuscola or Van Buren
- A completed scholarship application
The scholarship can be used for tuition, fees, required books and/or required course supplies, transportation and technology. Applications are open year-round and reviewed on a monthly basis.
For more information or to apply now, visit kellogg.edu/semco.
About HVACR at KCC
Kellogg Community College’s robust suite of industrial trades program options includes a 25-credit Industrial HVACR Certificate and 60-credit Associate of Applied Science in HVACR degree.
Heating and air conditioning systems control the temperature, humidity and air quality in residential, commercial and industrial buildings while refrigeration systems cool areas for the storage of perishable items. The Industrial HVACR Program at KCC prepares students to install, maintain and repair these systems. KCC’s program has one of the only low-pressure refrigerant trainers in Michigan.
For more information, visit kellogg.edu/hvacr.
Pictured above, from left to right, are KCC’s Dr. Handel Fraser, executive director, Regional Manufacturing Technology Center, Industrial Trades and Workforce Solutions; KCC HVACR student Romie Mullen, of Battle Creek; recent KCC HVACR graduate Robert Belt, of Battle Creek; recent KCC HVACR graduate Cameron Gougherty, of Battle Creek; recent KCC HVACR graduate Austin Lortz, of Marshall; and KCC HVACR Professor Andrew Redlon.
For more news about Kellogg Community College, view our latest press releases online at https://daily.kellogg.edu/category/news-releases.
